Learn tapestry weaving in a supported environmentonline, from home

Does the art of tapestry weaving fascinate you but you're just not sure where to start?

Do you enjoy collaborative workshop environments but find when you get home you don't weave again until the next workshop comes along?

Do you get frustrated by not understanding why your edges are drawing in, there are mountains in your weaving line, you can see those white dots of warp peeking through, or you have big ridges in your fabric?

Are you fond of attending intimate workshops with the opportunity to ask questions, receive personal feedback, and time to work through your ideas?

Do you love tapestry weaving but find yourself stuck with just how to express your visual ideas?

IF SO, MY ONLINE TAPESTRY TECHNIQUES COURSE, WARP AND WEFT: LEARNING THE STRUCTURE OF TAPESTRY is the place for you.

I understand where you're coming from...

For years I struggled to put together the bits of knowledge I had gleaned from various sources. My learning was fragmented and came from occasional workshops and the few existing tapestry texts, many of which contradict each other. I longed for some solid guidance.

I was fortunate to be invited to apprentice with James Koehler, the late master tapestry artist from Santa Fe. The regular, scheduled practice of tapestry in his studio allowed me to build my skills in an environment that offered frequent feedback and constant incentive to keep working and learning.

I have built this online class with that model in mind. I teach many in-person workshops and love meeting students in a face-to-face context. But I find that when they go home they often have many questions and when the next workshop is six months away, they often put the loom on a shelf.

Your course has motivated me to actually weave in a way that none of the books I have bought over the years have done. It is well-organized and filled with important and inspiring information. 

— Nancy Nordquist, Woodlands, TX

How did this program come about?

As I watched tapestry students come to my workshops with the work on the loom from whatever the last workshop they took was, I realized there had to be a better way to learn tapestry weaving.

I wanted to create a learning environment more like what I experienced as James Koehler's apprentice... one that extended over a good chunk of time with consistent feedback and the ability to ask questions at any time.

I really don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun learning how to weave. Rebecca is always right there to answer our questions and discuss any problem we might have and she will keep at it until we get it. I love this format, not only because I can sit at my loom any time night or day, but I don’t feel like I’m holding others up like in a workshop.

— Michele Dixon, Seguin, TX

Does it work?

You bet it does! Here is one video of student work. Many of these students had never woven tapestry before and some of them had no experience with fiber at all. You can find more images of student work as well as their thoughts about the course on my review page.

I sent some images of my weavings to West Dean College, and guess what? I have been accepted as one of 7 students to participate in their 24 month Intermediate Tapestry Development course.... We will be working in their renowned tapestry studio!! I never really dreamed my work could be good enough for this, and to be there will be wonderful. If it hadn’t been for the excellent online course, Warp and Weft: Learning the Structure of Tapestry, this never would have happened.

What does Warp and Weft include?

Extensive video teaching. All techniques are demonstrated, often in a couple different ways.

Troubleshooting: videos and handouts explain common problems you might encounter and demonstrate how to fix or avoid them.

Discussion with fellow students all over the world helps clarify potential problems and solutions as well and share more general understanding of tapestry practice.

Continued bonus material throughout the class created by me in response to your particular questions.

Feedback: the opportunity to submit photos of your progress, problems as you have them, and questions.From your photos I am also able to give you feedback on something you may not see as a problem yet and show you how to fix it before it becomes obvious and frustrating. And most importantly, you will get feedback about what you are doing that is successful. (This feature not included in the Self-Directed version.)

Invitation to a secret Facebook group where students in the program and those who have graduated can continue to connect over a virtual cup of tea. This is completely optional.

Any-time access to the material. The content will be available for as long as I am teaching online.

The pieces that are being woven during this class are a great source of inspiration.

— Barbara DiTrani, North Bend, WA

Who this course is for

People who have never woven tapestry before--if you can get your loom out of the box, I can help you from there.

People who have some knowledge of tapestry but need a structured review of foundational principles and encouragement to design their own work.

People who want to learn tapestry techniques and are committed to practicing. The best outcomes are to students who can commit a few hours a week to study and weaving or who can block out larger chunks of time to make tapestry.

People who benefit from a structured outline of learning activities to achieve their own unique outcomes.

People who want to give themselves the gift of time to learn a wonderful fiber skill.

Who this course is NOT for

People who do not have the necessary computer systems or knowledge to access the course (see technical specifications below or contact me for more information).

People who do not want feedback about their work. It is my job to teach and I will do it. (Hint: In this case, the Self-Directed version is for you.)

People who don't appreciate my silly sense of humor. It comes out in the videos, though primarily in the outtakes at the end. If you can't put up with my upbeat, cheerful humor, this course isn't for you. THIS video has an outtake at the end that is an example of this silliness.

I have been accused of being a cheerleader, though I was the geeky clarinet player in the marching band and have never owned pom poms. I am not going to say to you, "Your selvedges are crap, fix them." I will say, "You seem to be struggling with keeping your selvedges straight. Here are some things to try to improve that. Let me know what works!" If you are looking for the same kind of teaching you got from your scary high school physics teacher, this isn't the course for you.

Technical specifications for the course

This course is hosted in an online platform called Pathwright. It is designed as a linear path that steps you through the learning process one piece at a time. There is an overall menu that you can return to at any time to skip backwards or forwards as necessary.

It is largely video-based. If you pay for your internet services by the gigabyte, this course is not for you (unless you don't mind paying). If you are able to view standard YouTube videos, your internet is probably fast enough. However, you do need to have a recent operating system and an updated browser.

This course does work on iPads and other mobile devices and is compatible with Mac or PC.

Browsers: Google Chrome is the recommended browser for Pathwright, however Mozilla Firefox and Safari also work well. Please update your browser to the most current version for the best viewing experience.

To test whether your system works, you can go to THIS link and play the trailer video indicated by the arrow in the photo. Please contact me before registering if you have questions about this.

My only hesitation about taking this class was my lack of intuitiveness when it comes to technology. Technology things that seem obvious to younger people are never obvious to me. I found the Pathwright platform to be simple and easy to use.

— Vicky Standley, Georgia

Here are a few results you can expect from taking this course

understanding of basic and some intermediate tapestry techniques

how to use weaving equipment including looms, yarn, and hand tools

examples from the work of tapestry weavers past and present to illustrate the concepts you are learning

suggested readings about design and the practice of tapestry

introduction to design especially in regard to what is weaveable

increased confidence in your tapestry weaving skills

samplers from each of the three parts which you create as you practice the techniques

completed small format tapestries from each of the three parts

connections with new tapestry weavers all over the world and the opportunity to continue those interactions after the course is over

How the course is presented and what it costs

There are three ways you can take this course:

All-Three-In-One

With this option you get all the material in one class. The course is divided into three parts, but they are all available to you immediately. You can work through it at your own pace and I will meet you wherever you are in the curriculum for teaching and troubleshooting. You also have the advantage of being able to skip ahead to videos presented later in the course.

The price is $595.

Parts 1, 2, 3

You can take each of the three parts separately, registering for each as you're ready. This option costs a little more if you take all three parts, but you get the same information and can pay for one part at a time.

The price is $220 for each part.

Self-Directed

This is the same class as the All-Three-In-One course but with no teaching or discussion from me. You won't be able to submit images for feedback or ask me questions, but some people learn very well this way.

If you have problems with registration, please don't hesitate to contact me HERE.

I am always a little budget conscious, so I paused to consider the price. I also wondered if I would have the time to keep up with the class as a working mother of two small children. However, I now think the price was well worth it and really actually a bargain for all the value I got out of it.

— Julie, Orinda, CA

Refund Policy

I don't give refunds on this material. Please ask questions before you purchase. I believe in my courses and I think you will find that they are everything I and my current students say they are.

Please note: The only issues I have had with people wanting refunds were centered around internet access. I am serious when I say that you cannot do this course if you have dial up internet or if you pay for your internet by the GB (if you use a cell phone plan for instance, unless you are willing to pay for greatly increased data useage). Do not register for my courses if you don't have broadband. I will not give refunds for this or any other reason.

What happens after I register?

As soon as you register you will receive an email from Pathwright with a link to the class. You can go to the Pathwright class platform and start your class. If that email goes to your spam folder and you can't find it, simply push the registration link on this page again. It takes you to the same place. Click the Sign In button on the top navigation bar and once you enter the password you created when you paid for the class, you will see your courses.

I love teaching and have enjoyed all the wonderful students I have met in this course so far. I hope to meet you online soon!

All my best,

FAQ

What materials do I need?

Here is a materials list for the course (it is a PDF). Let me know if you have further questions!

Do I get access to the course forever?

Yes. My courses have any-time access. That means that as long as I am teaching online, which I hope will be for many more decades, your course will remain open for your reference and use. You can continue to ask questions as long as you'd like as long as they apply to course content.

CAN I SEE THE CONTENT OF EACH SECTION?

Yes. If you go to the course catalog on Pathwright HERE, you can click on each course and see a complete list of steps included in the course. The steps labeled WATCH are videos.

Do I have to have a Mirrix loom to take your course?

NO! There are so many different looms you can use to weave tapestry. Any loom that holds a good tension will work. Mirrix makes great looms, but so do other people.

This class has been akin to an art college course; I have learned more than I could have imagined.

— Liz Johnson, Freeport, ME

I can't picture how the course works. Can you give me a better understanding of what I will be doing?

The trailer video HERE as well as THIS video show you the Pathwright program and give you a good idea of what the activities in the course are like. Please contact me with further questions! I want you to be sure about this decision.

Does the class work on a set schedule?

No. The material for the entire class for which you are registered will be available from the first day. You may work through it as quickly or as slowly as you wish.

What have students who have taken the class already said about it?

I have a long list of student reviews on THIS page of my website as well as multiple videos of their work.

I like how you continued to update the videos or handouts in response to specific questions people had and also posted other people’s ideas. It makes the class feel like a “real” class rather than a virtual one. Your prompt feedback is also extremely valuable and made me feel like I was in a class.

— Julie, Orinda, CA

I am not very good at "coloring within the lines". Do I have to do things your way?

No. My goal is to provide experience with basic tapestry structure and technique and encourage you to build your tapestry practice in whatever way suits you. I weave from the back on a Harrisville rug loom, but most of the class demonstrations are woven on a Mirrix loom because it is easier for you to see. I present ways to weave both from the back and the front and you can choose which is best for you. I also present opinions of other tapestry artists in regard to technique and encourage you to experiment with different methods depending on what materials are available to you and what your interests are.

Do you offer a DVD version of the course? I live off the grid and don't have fast enough internet to stream video.

No. Right now this course is designed for this particular online format. That isn't to say I won't offer it on DVDs eventually, but it isn't available now.

I have another question and I didn't hear you address it...

And then please contact me! I love answering any and all questions. Just don't ask me what the meaning of life is. I'll probably just tell you it has something to do with making stuff, hiking, and loving the people around you. CONTACT ME HERE.